Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole – A Comforting Weeknight Delight

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There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, cheesy casserole after a long day, isn’t there? The kind of dish that fills your kitchen with a tantalizing aroma, bringing the whole family together for a hearty meal. The cheesy chicken and broccoli casserole is just that—a comforting, creamy, and satisfying dish that never fails to please. It combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a rich, cheesy sauce that bakes to perfection. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this dish has all the makings of a crowd-pleaser.

This casserole is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something comforting, yet easy to make. It’s also a fantastic way to get your kids to eat their veggies without any complaints. But beyond its taste, this dish is practical. You can make it ahead of time, store leftovers, and even customize it to your taste preferences.

In this article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making this cheesy chicken and broccoli casserole, from ingredients and instructions to serving suggestions and nutritional information. So let’s dive in and discover why this dish should be added to your regular dinner rotation!   Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our Baked Spinach Mushroom Quesadillas

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

The Perfect Combination of Ingredients

This cheesy chicken and broccoli casserole is the perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and indulgent cheese. It’s a comforting meal that feels like a treat but won’t leave you feeling heavy afterward. Chicken provides a hearty protein base, while the broccoli adds a nutritious crunch and vibrant color. And let’s not forget the cheese—a creamy, melted cheddar that ties it all together and makes each bite irresistible.

Quick and Easy to Make

What makes this casserole especially appealing is how simple and quick it is to prepare. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a total cook time of around 25 minutes, it’s ideal for weeknight dinners when you don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. And the best part? You don’t have to worry about a lot of complicated steps. Everything is layered in one dish and baked to perfection.

Kid-Friendly and Nutritious

Getting your kids to eat their veggies can be challenging, but with this cheesy chicken and broccoli casserole, they’ll be asking for more. The combination of cheesy goodness and tender broccoli makes it hard to resist, even for picky eaters. Plus, the addition of broccoli provides fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants—making it a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients.

Perfect for Leftovers

Casseroles are notorious for being great leftovers, and this one is no exception. It stores well in the refrigerator and tastes just as delicious the next day. Whether you enjoy it for lunch or dinner, you’ll appreciate the convenience of having a ready-to-eat meal waiting for you.

Ingredients for Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

Before you begin, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need to make this delightful casserole. Below is the full list of ingredients, along with their amounts. You’ll find that these ingredients are likely already in your kitchen, making this dish both simple and cost-effective.

Table: Ingredients for Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

Ingredient	Amount
Chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)	4 (about 2 pounds)
Olive oil (if using raw chicken)	1 tablespoon
Broccoli (cut into bite-sized pieces)	1 ½ – 2 pounds
Shredded cheddar cheese (divided)	1 ½ cups
Condensed cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)	10 ½ ounces (1 can)
Sour cream	⅔ cup
Milk	½ cup
Garlic powder	½ teaspoon
Onion powder	½ teaspoon
Dry mustard powder	½ teaspoon
Pepper	½ teaspoon
Kosher salt	¼ teaspoon
Panko breadcrumbs or crushed buttery crackers	3 tablespoons
Melted butter	1 tablespoon

How to Make Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole – Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this cheesy chicken and broccoli casserole is incredibly straightforward. Even if you’re not an expert in the kitchen, you’ll find the steps simple to follow. Let’s break down the process step by step.

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by preparing your ingredients. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and set them aside. If you’re using raw chicken, you’ll need to cook it before adding it to the casserole. For the broccoli, cut it into bite-sized florets. You can use fresh broccoli or frozen broccoli if that’s what you have on hand. The goal is to get everything ready to assemble the casserole quickly.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken and Broccoli

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat (if you’re using raw chicken). Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 10 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through and lightly browned. Once the chicken is done, set it aside to cool slightly.

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for about 2-3 minutes, just until they’re tender-crisp. You don’t want to overcook the broccoli, as it will continue to cook in the casserole. Once done, drain the broccoli well and transfer it to the bottom of your prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, the cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup), sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, pepper, and kosher salt. Stir everything together until well combined. Next, add the cooked chicken and mix it into the cheesy sauce.

Now, take the mixture and pour it over the broccoli in the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly to cover the broccoli. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top to create that delicious cheesy layer.

Step 4: Add the Topping and Bake

In a small bowl, mix together the Panko breadcrumbs (or crushed buttery crackers) with the melted butter. Stir until the breadcrumbs are well coated. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the casserole for a crispy, golden topping.

Bake the casserole at 400°F for 20-22 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and the casserole is bubbling and hot. The cheese should be melted and slightly browned, giving it a perfect, gooey texture.

Serving Suggestions for Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

The beauty of this cheesy chicken and broccoli casserole is that it’s versatile. You can serve it in a variety of ways to suit your family’s tastes or to complement the rest of your meal.

• Over Rice: Serve this casserole over a bed of white or brown rice for a hearty and filling dinner. The rice will soak up the creamy sauce, making every bite even more satisfying.
• With Noodles: If you prefer pasta, serving this casserole with egg noodles makes for a comforting, pasta-based dinner. The noodles provide a perfect base for the rich and cheesy casserole.
• With Mashed Potatoes: For ultimate comfort food, serve the casserole over mashed potatoes. The creamy potatoes blend beautifully with the casserole, creating a rich, flavorful meal.
• As-Is: You can also enjoy the casserole on its own. It’s rich and satisfying enough to stand alone without any sides.

Tips and Variations

Make It Ahead

One of the great things about this casserole is that it can be prepared in advance. You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it with foil, and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to eat, simply bake it as instructed. This makes it a great option for busy weeknights or for entertaining guests.

Swap Ingredients

This cheesy chicken and broccoli casserole is incredibly adaptable. Feel free to swap out the broccoli for other vegetables you love. Cauliflower, green beans, or even spinach could be delicious alternatives. If you’re not a fan of cheddar cheese, try using mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a combination of cheeses to change things up.

Add Extra Flavor

If you want to add more depth to the flavor of the casserole, consider adding extra seasonings. A teaspoon of Italian seasoning, some red pepper flakes for heat, or a little smoked paprika for a smoky kick can all elevate the dish.

Nutritional Information for Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

This casserole is not only delicious but also provides a well-rounded meal with plenty of protein and vegetables. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information for a typical serving of cheesy chicken and broccoli casserole.

Table: Approximate Nutritional Information per Serving

Nutrient	Amount
Servings	6
Calories	400
Protein	30g
Carbohydrates	12g
Fat	26g
Fiber	3g
Sodium	600mg

FAQ – Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before adding it to the casserole. Frozen broccoli works great as it’s already blanched, so it will cook quickly in the casserole.

Can I make this casserole without the breadcrumbs?

Definitely! If you don’t have breadcrumbs or prefer a gluten-free version, you can omit the topping entirely or use a gluten-free alternative like crushed rice cakes, crushed nuts, or gluten-free crackers.

How do I reheat leftovers of cheesy chicken and broccoli casserole?

To reheat leftovers, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings for 2-3 minutes, depending on the microwave’s strength.

Conclusion – A Recipe Worth Repeating

This cheesy chicken and broccoli casserole is everything you want in a comfort food dish—creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. It’s quick, easy, and sure to become a favorite in your home. Whether you’re serving it to your family after a busy day or preparing it for a special occasion, this casserole is sure to impress.

Give it a try tonight and see why this cheesy chicken and broccoli casserole will quickly become a staple in your dinner rotation. And don’t forget to share your experience with us! We’d love to hear how you made it your own.

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